Fulham boss Jol targets Belgian starlet

Fulham are locked in a battle with Club Bruges as they look to sign teenage star Junior Malanda.

Malanda, 18, is rated one of the best young players in Belgium and has been outstanding for his club side Zulte Waregem.

Fulham boss Martin Jol is looking to strengthen his squad before the end of January and wants to sign another defensive midfielder after Mahamadou Diarra was ruled out of the African Cup of Nations with a knee injury.

Malanda is keen to show he can play at the highest level and would relish the chance to make a big money move into the Premier League.

Jol will need to move quickly as Club Bruges have also been strongly linked with a move for the talented midfielder and reports in Belgium claim they could make an offer in the near future.